This blog is a place for me to sort my thinking as I teach to learn and reach each day to have better understandings. I hope this blog will be a celebration of the joy I find in learning with people and through literature.

Monday, October 1, 2012

It's Monday! What Are Your Reading? Catching Up!

Here is my attempt to catch up on what I have been reading since school started - several weeks worth!

One of the biggest gifts that I have received this school year so far, is the gift of working with Kindergarten students once again. It has been four years since I have had this opportunity. Sometimes there is a flip side to good news - for me the flip is that, at this time, I won't be working with 4th and 5th grade readers. I am a middle-grade book lover. For sure I'd rather read a young YA book than an adult novel, so I won't give up my attempt to read as many of these novels as I possibly can.

With this gift of reading with K kids, I am more determined to learn about the picture books I have been missing. Here are just a few that I have read in the last few weeks...

Do Cows Meow? and Do Crocs Kiss? both by Salina Yoon. These flap books are perfect for pre-k kids and many of the Ks I work with are learning to expand their English, so the simplicity of this text along with the excitement of the flaps should be a hit!

Oopsy, Teacher! by Stephanie Calmenson - have loved Late for School, so I was thrilled to find this gem! The message that teachers too make mistakes even though they can be trying their best is one that we need to continue to communicate with our students. And who wouldn't love a book that features a creative teacher who turns a tough day into a party day?

The Jungle Run by Tony Mitton - The bright cover pulled me to this book in the new book section of the library. The clever and determined smallest animal perseveres even when all the other animals tell her she is too little. Another great message for young listeners.

Laugh-Out -Loud Baby by Tony Johnston - Loved learning that there is a tradition in the Navajo culture to celebrate a baby's first laugh. There is so much joy in this book.

I picked up The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech and could not put it down until I finished it. Sharon Creech never disappoints. Truly. I simply love her books. I think readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery of how all the characters will come together. Great story of connectedness and definition of family. While definition of family is a common theme it is one that I never grow tired of and Creech brings an ever twisting turning storyline as she speaks to this theme. I also loved the fanciful traditional tales interwoven throughout the story.

I finished the last disc of Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead. I'll just say that driving isn't nearly as fulfilling as it was when those 4 discs were playing! Another great read with themes of personal struggles and bullying, as well as family struggles. Great look at how we meet adversity and deal in our own way. The contrast of the two families the reader gets to know is intriguing.

I continue to try to keep up with at least a few adult fiction books which is always a challenge for me during the school year. This week I finished Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry. Our school book club chose this book and I had never read it. I think what I loved the most about this book was that I didn't have it all figured out and that there were surprises for me. I guess it felt good not to predict and solve the entire book before the last chapters. This would be an important thought to keep with me as I conference with young readers. I think sharing the joy of not being right in my predictions or not having it all figured out would make for interesting discussions.

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About Me

I am a Reading Support teacher and primary Literacy Coach in Dublin City Schools. My husband and I have 2 girls - our oldest is a Special Education Teacher and our youngest is studying middle grade education! Reading is a passion and I am excited to write more often.